New York congressional candidate Brad Lander says he was detained by IDF in the West Bank

Brad Lander, a former New York City comptroller running for Congress, says Israeli forces detained him while he was helping Palestinian farmers harvest olives in the West Bank. He said he was held with other activists and later released with a warning, adding that he believed his public profile helped secure his release.

The detention took place near the settlement of Nehalim, according to reports on Lander’s account. The group’s presence was intended to support farmers during the olive harvest, a period when activists say Palestinian growers can face restrictions or harassment.

Lander’s experience puts a human face on a larger dispute over access to farmland and security in the occupied territory. His account also raises questions about how Israeli authorities treat foreign and high-profile visitors who join local farmers.

The report centers on what Lander and other participants say happened. The original coverage links readers to his account and the developing response from those involved.